CONCERT.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIC, Issue 13438, 9 November 1907, Page 6

CONCERT.

IN THE ASSEMBLY ROOMS.

Last a very enjoyable concert was given in .the Assembly Rooms, under the direction of Mr A. Allen, but unfortunately the performers Avere not greeted Avith a very full house. Ulhe concertopened Avith an operatic quartette .selection 'Silent Heroes' by four voices, Messrs Bennett. Smith, Jordan and Budd, Avho sang admirably. Miss Nicholls (soprano) sang 'Down the Vale." and her singing evoked much admiration. A solo by Mr G. Andrews (baritone) Avas a. credit to the singer, Avho stands high in the-esti-mation of all who heard him. Probably the best item on the programme Avas the solo and chorus '"'.llhe Bella" from the opera; " Les Cloches." in Avhich Miss M. Hole, took the leading part. The piece is not neAv to a Timaru audience but it is one which,- when well sung is always popular, and the solosist and those in the chorus made the most of their opportunity. Mr B. B. De Looze gave "My Damty Little Maid,' Avhich he rendered in 1113 best style,—so Avell, indeed, that he Avas encored,"and obliged to give ..another solo Avhich lie did credit to. Later on he gave a -sacred piece 'My Father in Heaven." Mr E. Budd, one of the coming bass singers of Timaru. sang "In the. Mighty Dtep," a song that only one with a good voice. Avell used, can sing to perfection and Mr Budd certainly did well. An exhibition of drawing-room conjuring by Mr A. Allen occupied some .time, Avliich, lioavever. the audience did not' grudge. _ A number of ingenious slight of hand tricks, relieved by stage 'patter provoked much amusement and applause'. Mr Allen was not too strong in patter, which is almost a necessity to the successful carrying out of conjuring, but he made up for this by his skill with the coins and cards. Mr Jordan (bass )was at home "In a Hundred Fathoms Deep," Avhich .is admirably adapted to his fine voice. By way of an encore he .sang "Father. O'Flynn.": m . Avlrich ho excelled. The Germaine and Granichaux duet from "Les Cloches" was given by Miss M. Hole and-, Mr Bennett and they sustained their parts in 'a manner very acceptable .to the audience. Mrs Simmons (contralto) sang " Alia .Stella," Avhich, unfortunately Avas too short, but Avhat there was- of it Avas very Avell rendered. The last item on the programme was a humorous quartette, ."'.Basso Profundo" by Masses'Nicholls -and Hole and Messrs Simth and Bemnett, -a rather difficult piece but carried through in a. way that only such good singers knoAV tha art of. Miss M. Dennehy acted as .accompanist in a highly creditable manner. The concert throughout .was highly successful except from a financial point.of vieAv, and the audience Avere well pleased with the excellent programme.